Why do bases make good household cleaners?

Question

joannablackwelder · Answer

Because bases are good at breaking down organic chemicals (which most stains are), but relatively unreactive with metals, ceramics or glass (the items being cleaned). This way you can chemically break down the stains without damaging the item being cleaned. 

An acid would also break down stains well, but would also damage the object or surface being cleaned...

joannablackwelder · Answer

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091213073549AAn1wc7

aayushi.somani · Answer

Because they won't corrode metal (like acids would) and yet they are still able to kill bacteria. eg: washing soda(sodium carbonate).