Since you had some success with orange oil, it is certain that you will have greater success with Wood Elixir for one reason: Wood Elixir is stronger. The other benefit of Wood Elixir in this case is that whereas the use of steel wool removes some of the finish, Wood Elixir replaces that with a hardened oil finish which is water and alcohol resistant. Almost all finishes discolor or experience a "color shift" with age. Yellowing of clear lacquer is common but is most noticable on very light or white finishes. I'm saying this because the smoke might not account for all of the problem but whatever portion of the problem is related to contaminents such as smoke, will be solved with Wood Elixir....Guaranteed.