We already had the larger version of this, but grew tired of moving it from my office to the living room every day, so I got this smaller version for my office, which is a converted bedroom with carpeted floors. I'm a smoker, unfortunately. When I am finished in my office for the day, by the next morning (I leave it on all the time) all the smell is gone from the cigarettes. The same is true for the larger version we keep in the living/dining room area. The plates really pick up some funky stuff, but are easy to wash off and let dry overnight.