I have 6 beautiful Boston ferns hanging on my front porch. I do bring them in for the winter (Michigan) and they are messy but it saves me money next summer when it is time to purchase ferns again.
Our local and reputable green house told me to spray them with a mixture of:::::
2 squirts dish soap (I use Dawn)
2 capfuls rubbing alcohol
1 quart water
Pay special attention to the underside of the leaves. Spray and leave in the garage for 3 days before bringing them (and other outdoor plants) into the house. The ferns will drop leaves and be messy during the winter, but in the spring you can trim the dead fronds off and they will quickly recover when put outside again.