The invention relates to a process for working up particulate crude polyoxymethylene, which comprises the following steps: (a) introduction of the particulate crude polyoxymethylene into an extraction column (13) operated at a pressure in the range from 1 to 6 bar, (b) introduction of a polar extractant into the extraction column (13) with a temperature in the range from 95 to 140° C. and a pressure in the range from 1 to 6 bar, wherein from 10 to 1000 ppm, based on the amount of polar extractant introduced, of a buffer substance which buffers in the pH range from 7.5 to 11.5 are introduced into the extraction column (13).