My mother is a HEAVY smoker with smoky smelling clothing. Recently, she was hospitalized and I had to do her laundry which reeked of smoke horribly. After washing twice without using Febreze Odor Eliminator, I knew I needed a solution b/c the smell just wasn't coming out. I purchased the Febreze Odor Eliminator and instructions read for heavy smells, use 2 capfuls. I did that -- and some of the odor came out, but I could still smell the cigarettes on her clothing slightly. After 3 washes, 1 of which was with Febreze Odor Eliminator, I'm not going to wash the same load again, but I would recommend to other smokers as it did improve the smell, but only somewhat.