Non-gf Household

[bluelotus]

I was wondering how everyone copes with being gluten-free in an "non-gluten-free" household. I am married (just moved in with my husband recently), without children, and have been doing the gluten-free diet since last Nov, with a few mistakes. I have been cautious about the obvious and not-so obvious gluten sources (soaps, lotions, toothpastes, etc.), but I still feel like crap (though I have had good days), esp since starting to live with my hubbie. I am not eliminating the possibility of another allergen (corn - which I have eliminated, but only for a week or so).

So here come the questions: do you all use a dishwasher for cleaning (with the risk of gluten floaties or something sticking to dishes)? hand wash and if so, do you use a seperate sponge? do you use seperate pots and pans? do you kiss your significant other (on the mouth) after they have eaten gluten (even if they "brushed their teeth")? Do you have a designated gluten-free fridge? Lots of questions, but was just wondering what may have helped you all and what other tricks I am not considering.

Any input is appreciated!

[tarnalberry]

We technically have a mixed kitchen, though the only offenders are french bread, oatmeal, crackers and cereal for my husband. We use a dishwasher, but always rinse the plates first, of course. I don't kiss him if he's just eaten wheat, but will after he brushes his teeth. We keep his food separated, and clean up, but that's about it. We don't cook (other than microwaving water for oatmeal) anything with gluten...

[kabowman]

I am the only one in our house of 5 and I have a gluten-free pantry (the new house had 2), a "safe for Kate" shelf in the fridge and I clean non-stop. Anytime someone makes something non-gluten-free, there I go, cleaning again.

All items are put through the dishwasher except our everyday skillet which we keep strictly gluten-free, all our wooden utensils are all gluten-free only, we have seperate cast iron skillets, and did I mention I clean all the time? Keep the drawers closed so no crumbs will fall in and contaminate all the clean stuff.

We have usually gluten-free meals but occasionally I will fix a side of mac and cheese for the kids and that is kept as far away from my stuff as possible. Also, I have my own pizza pan so that there is NO chance for those burned on crusts that may or may not come off, can contaminate my stuff!

Also, if there is any question, it goes in the sink to be washed. The kids are extra careful. We even have a new grill which has only ever had "safe for Kate" food--i.e, no BBQ sauce because I can't have vinegar, etc.

Oh, and I clean all the time.

[kabowman]

I forgot the kissing part - we don't kiss on the mouth very often. My husband lives on gluten, dairy, beer, etc. we just don't go there and have only been married 3 1/2 years. Neither of us seems to really mind, I just offer my cheek when he goes to kiss me and explain that he is drinking beer--if he doesn't do that first. I'm not compaining, just pointing out, very subtly, that I will get sick and he understands.

[bluelotus]

Thanks to both of you for the ideas, maybe I will try to keep some cooking utensils seperate for gluten-free cooking as well as a skillet or two. This is just so frustrating (as I am sure everyone already knows).....