The Hammer power-up clears everything from a single cell. That means most blockers and blocks, regardless of how many layers they have.

The exceptions are:

 - Locks

 - Hives (if there's honey around it)

 - Candles (hammer can light them up, but not remove them)

 - Boxing bags (hammer hits them once but doesn't remove them)

 - Bowling balls and pins

To use the hammer, simply tap the hammer button and then the cell you wish to clear.