How do I spruce up dingy faucets, toilet paper holders and towel bar?

If they can't be cleaned with Windex, get a fine grit sand paper and run over the areas. Usually this creates a "nickle" finish.

I use Windex.

Make a cleaner with vinegar, dish soap, and water.

Don't damage what does not belong to you. If simply cleaning isn't enough, replace the fixtures. Store them away to be reinstalled before you move out and take your fixtures with you. Or just leave both sets.

Don't damage what does not belong to you. If simply cleaning isn't enough, replace the fixtures. Store them away to be reinstalled before you move out and take your fixtures with you. Or just leave both sets.

If they are truly dingy, clean them and remove any lime scale from the faucet make it shine again with WD40. It will help keep the chrome from holding water spots, you can also polish them with automotive wax. If they have started to deteriorate ask you landlord to replace them. Most folks don't have the control to create an even satin finish by hand, but it can be done with a drill attachment. However, you should not scratch them into a different finish unless you get permission from the owner.

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES USE ANY SORT OF ABRASIVE cleanser, scratcher, steel wool, etc!!!) on that metal. The same for STOVES! For the metal faucets, go to automotive store, get CHROME CLEANER!!!!!! (usually is also a polish!!!!) Use with GOOD ventilation, avoid breathing any fumes! Will contain petroleum distillates, most likely. The same goes for the surfaces of "old" porcelain sinks/tubs/ceramic tiles etc., always use NON ABRASIVE CLEANSERS -- they scratch and damage the glaze on the ceramic surface-- when that's gone it's OVER!!!! The shine disappears-- and looks, well --- UGLY! The best idea-- replace with your own high polished fixtures, and take them with you when you leave! That way you always have "your own"-- looking bright and lovely! Good lck, on your projects!

I agree with everyone who has said to just buy new ones.

If your landlord is fair, I'd ask them if they would reimburse you for the new items (if you don't take them with you when you leave). After all, you are improving their property.

If they say no, I would still buy new ones, but keep theirs boxed up so you can reinstall those old ones when you leave.

If your current items are truly just basic builder grade fixtures, you should have a good chance in finding the exact same ones at Lowe's or HD.

That would be the easiest way to go, b/c if you find the exact same ones (or at least ones with the same mounting hardware), you won't have to deal with patching old screw holes and making new ones.