There are many different kinds of smells that could be coming from the brakes. There could be a burning smell.
Aroma
I had the same problem. It was the upper control arm bushings. They got worn and slapped back and forth when I hit the brakes.
It can be attached to the bottom of the master cylinder or on the drivers side frame between the firewall and the radiator. Follow the brake lines coming out of the master cylinder.
If you have white smoke coming out the tail pipe and the smoke has a sweet smell to it, the car has bad problems.
If you have air fresheners it might help. But if the smell is coming from the seats you might need to replace the fabric on the seats. It just depends on where the smell is coming from. Also worth trying are Febreeze spray on the carpets and fabric (it may require repeated applications) and/or Bounce dryer sheets under the seats. Depending on where and what the smell is, shampooing the carpets and upholstery may be effective. Try to keep the interior of the car as dry as possible, musty smells could be mold or mildew which love moisture. Repair any leaks that can be found (trunks are horrible for getting wet and breeding molds and mildew, check yours if you have one).
A burning smell from a car's brakes means that you are braking very hard or there is a electrical short circuit in the car. Another reason for a burning smell may actually be coming from the car's heater.
The smell of burning coming from your rear brakes could be due to overheating caused by excessive friction. This can happen if the brake pads are worn out or if there is a mechanical issue with the brake system. It is important to have your brakes inspected and repaired by a professional to ensure safe driving.
during a brand new cars "break in" its normal to smell like somethings burning, coming from the brakes and exhaust...the metal on the disc brakes and the pads heat up for the first time making it smell like somethings burning, same goes for the catalytic converter in the exhaust system.
the friction between the brakes and the wheels.
The smell of burning plastic from your brakes could indicate overheating, which may be caused by excessive friction or a mechanical issue. It is important to have your brakes inspected by a professional to ensure they are functioning properly and to prevent potential safety hazards.
They go in dirt and leaves that's where the smell is coming from
The odd smell coming from the kitchen is likely due to something burning or spoiled food.
Friction from excessive braking causes heat, thus the lubricant on brakes release this burnt smell.
your rear brakes are your emergency brakes. if your handle is coming up to much you need new brakes most likely or sometimes just an adjustment.
Coming out of where, when, what color, smell, ect. More information needed.
They can smell them
If a calliper is "hanging", it could be causing the brake pads to press against the rotor and overheat the brakes. You may want to see if the calliper is dragging.