It seems like the fine print on tiny product labels gets smaller and smaller and smaller!

That concerns every avid do-it-yourselfer because we all know how important it is to read the labels before using any product.

After all, you have to know just how much grouting powder to mix with the water; the right temperatures for painting exteriors; and the required speed of the drill to get the paste-like consistency that thinset requires.

Now, yes, you could ‘wing it,’ especially if you’re no stranger to any of these projects, but that’s not our advice. That’s because when it comes to home improvement projects, a wrong guess could cost you a pretty penny!

Of course, reading tiny labels isn’t just a problem after you’ve purchased a product. Think about when you’re in the home center or hardware store, and you’re not even sure which product to purchase!

You don’t need a magnifying glass to read that tiny text! Just use your smartphone!


Using Your Smartphone Camera to Read Small Print

Using your smartphone camera to read the fine print on labels offers a number of benefits. Here are a few:

  • Convenience: Most people carry their smartphones with them everywhere they go, making it easy to access the camera when needed.
  • Saves time: Rather than squinting to read small text or trying to decipher blurry print, using the camera can save time by providing a clearer, easier-to-read image.
  • Accessibility: For people with vision impairments or other disabilities, using the smartphone camera can make it easier to read the fine print on labels and make informed decisions about the products they use.
  • Picking the right product: By being able to read the fine print more easily, you can make better decisions about what products to use, ensuring that they are using them correctly and safely.

The next time you’re in the hardware store or home center struggling to read the fine print on a tiny label, first, pull out your smartphone.

Next, go ahead and take a photo of that tiny product label. Now, make sure that the label is well-lit and that you’ve auto-focused the lens.

After that, just open your phone’s photos app, find the photo you just took, and then zoom in to enlarge the fine print, making it easy to read.

I actually do this every time I go to the home center. In fact, sometimes I leave my phone in the car and have to temporarily step outside the home center, retrieve my phone from the car and then go back into the store to read that fine print!

This method works well for labels on medications, cleaning products, and food items.


Why You Must Read the Fine Print

The fine print on cleaning products and home improvement products can contain information about potential health and safety hazards. This can include warnings about how to use them safely, the types of surfaces or materials they are safe to use on, and any precautions or protective equipment needed when using them. 

Many cleaning and home improvement products contain potentially hazardous chemicals that can be harmful to people and the environment.

(JulNichols, Getty Images Signature)

For example, some cleaning products contain bleach or ammonia, which can release toxic fumes that can cause respiratory problems or even chemical burns if they come into contact with the skin. Similarly, some home improvement products such as paints and solvents can emit harmful fumes or cause skin irritation if not used properly.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

The fine print can provide instructions on how to use the product safely, including any protective gear that should be worn during use. It can also warn you about any conflicts with other products or surfaces, and provide guidelines for proper disposal or storage of the product.


What to Look for in The Fine Print

Here are some tips to help make reading the fine print on labels easier and more effective:

  • Look for key information: When reading the fine print, focus on the key information that is relevant to your needs. This might include things like expiration dates, ingredients, and instructions for use. By focusing on the most important information, you can avoid getting bogged down in extraneous details.
  • Take time to read the label carefully: Rushing through the fine print can lead to necessary information being missed. Instead, take the time to read the label carefully and thoroughly. This means slowing down and paying close attention to each word on the label. By doing so, you’ll be better able to understand the product and make informed decisions.
  • Look for hazard warnings: Hazard warnings are an essential part of many labels, especially those for cleaning products and medications. Pay close attention to these warnings, as they can provide critical information about potential risks associated with using the product. Be sure to read and follow any warning labels carefully, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Remember — Safety First!

It’s easy to overlook the fine print on labels and packaging, but taking the time to read it can make a big difference in your health and safety. Although it can be a bit tedious, the information contained in the fine print is often critical to using the product safely and effectively.

The fine print often contains important details about ingredients, potential side effects, and hazard warnings that could impact your health and safety. By taking the time to read it, you can make informed decisions and protect yourself from potential harm.

Skipping the fine print may save time, but investing a few extra minutes can save you a lot of trouble later. Take the time to read the label and fully understand how to use the product safely and effectively. Your health and safety are worth it!


Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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