I've used white vinegar on rust in the past as it's mild acidic nature will cause a ferric oxide reaction and after you rinse and dry the corroded area becomes more metallic than not (looks black too). I've not done these methods in a while but boric and citric acid combined (Borax and Lemon Juice actually) also does the trick. You have to leave it soak on for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with water and dry it thoroughly. No harsh chemicals basically and it works.
The vinegar trick also works well if you have had an alkaline battery that has corroded some copper contacts. Use the vinegar but it doesn't have to be on there for 30 minutes, generally using a q-tip and dabbing it on will remove the copper corrosion quickly and then wipe it down with water and dry thoroughly.
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