General How-To
Practical answers to "can you" and "can I" questions about everyday activities and possibilities.
35 questions answered
"Can you do this?" often has a more nuanced answer than a simple yes or no. Can you charge a laptop with a phone charger? Technically sometimes, but with important caveats about wattage and connector compatibility. Can you wash cast iron with soap? Modern soap is fine, despite the persistent myth.
Our general how-to articles tackle practical possibility questions with direct answers followed by the conditions, exceptions, and important details that determine whether something works in your specific situation.
Top Questions
Can You Bring Food on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring most solid foods through TSA security and onto domestic US flights. Sandwiches, snacks, fruit, and ba...
Read answerCan You Bring Water on a Plane?
You cannot bring water through TSA security checkpoints (containers over 3.4 oz are prohibited). However, you can bring ...
Read answerCan You Charge a Laptop with a Phone Charger?
It depends on the laptop and charger. Many modern USB-C laptops can charge from phone chargers, but at a slower rate. Th...
Read answerCan You Drink Tap Water?
US tap water is generally safe to drink and is regulated by the EPA to meet strict safety standards. In most developed c...
Read answerCan You Flush Food Down the Toilet?
Flushing food down the toilet is generally not recommended, even though small amounts may not cause immediate problems. ...
Read answerCan You Flush Kleenex Down the Toilet?
No, don't flush facial tissues like Kleenex. Unlike toilet paper, facial tissues are designed to stay strong when wet—th...
Read answerAll General How-To Questions (35)
- Can You Bring Food on a Plane?
- Can You Bring Water on a Plane?
- Can You Charge a Laptop with a Phone Charger?
- Can You Drink Tap Water?
- Can You Flush Food Down the Toilet?
- Can You Flush Kleenex Down the Toilet?
- Can You Fly with Wrapped Gifts?
- Can You Jump Start a Car in the Rain?
- Can You Leave Car Running While Pumping Gas?
- Can You Mix Bleach and Ammonia?
- Can You Mix Different Brands of Motor Oil?
- Can You Put Hot Pans on Granite?
- Can You Put Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer?
- Can You Recycle Batteries?
- Can You Recycle CDs?
- Can You Recycle Pizza Boxes?
- Can You Recycle Plastic Bags?
- Can You Recycle Styrofoam?
- Can You Refreeze Thawed Meat?
- Can You Sharpen Serrated Knives?
- Can You Use AirPods with Android?
- Can You Use Bleach and Vinegar Together?
- Can You Use Bleach on Stainless Steel?
- Can You Use Dish Soap in a Dishwasher?
- Can You Use E85 in a Regular Car?
- Can You Use Expired Sunscreen?
- Can You Use Regular Gas in a Premium Car?
- Can You Use Regular Shampoo on Dogs?
- Can You Use Vinegar on Marble?
- Can You Use WD-40 on Door Hinges?
- Can You Wash Cast Iron with Soap?
- Can You Wash Jeans with Other Clothes?
- Can You Wash Pillows in the Washing Machine?
- Can You Wash Shoes in the Washing Machine?
- Can You Wear Contacts in the Shower?