Well, I use a one gallon jug that used to hold carpet shampoo and it still smells like the shampoo. I wouldn't drink it, but it's been rinsed out a number of times and I've used it for about 3 months now and my plants are doing fine with it. I don't think the smell from a hose would affect your plants in the least. Does it affect any of your garden plants or outdoor plants? I just really don't think it's going to affect it.