gluten-free Environment

[JulieBoyes]

My daughter (9) was diagnosed with Celiac Disease last week. I'm struggling to determine what needs to be replaced in my kitchen. I understand the basics (replace plastic, scratched pots/pans, etc.), but what about silverware, dishes, sharp knives, pottery, cooling racks, plastic cups/drink pitchers? I also store things in mason jars with plastic lids. From my understanding, I can wash the mason jars in the dishwasher, but what about the plastic lids? Do I need to replace those?

Also, she brings her lunch to school each day, but I want her to wipe off the table to be sure she doesn't run into cross contamination (several other classes eat at the same table first). What works to wipe off the gluten? gluten-free Baby Wipes? Clorox wipes? I've been sending a paper towel with Gluten Buster on it (rubbing alcohol, water, and white vinegar), but it smells horrible! Any ideas? Thanks so much!!

[Ennis-TX]

Do read the newbie 101 section.
https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/91878-newbie-info-101/
I would toss out all plastic...they scratch easy and retain proteins. Gluten is a protein like blood...not a germ, so bleach does not kill it, think along the lines of removing blood so the CSI techs can not find it. 500F+ works to destroy the proteins so a oven self clean cycle is glorious (DO NOTE stainless steel utensils will get a purple or blue hue to them after the decon cycle).

I would send a sheet of butcher/freezer paper with her to lay out for a place mat, I buy the stuff by commercial rolls and use it on my counters, and when I go out to eat I take a smaller sheet with me for this purpose. BEST PART, clean up is SOO easy when you just pick it up and dump the crumbs into the trash and toss it if it gets dirty.
https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/118842-freezer-paper-for-safe-prep-surface/?tab=comments#comment-979071
We do suggest a whole foods only starting off but I do quarterly list of gluten free foods, sauces, condiments and generally cooking staples to perhaps help make the transition easier.
https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/121802-gluten-free-food-alternative-list-2018-q3/