In one embodiment, a process is provided for treating virgin poly(arylene sulfide) resins, wherein a heated polymer slurry, comprising a virgin poly(arylene sulfide) resin and water is contacted by an acidic treating solution comprising at least an acidic component, wherein the amount of the acidic component in the acidic treating solution is less than the amount necessary to result in at least a partial curing of the virgin poly(arylene sulfide) resin. In a second embodiment, the process is provided for treating a virgin poly(arylene sulfide) resin, wherein the virgin poly(arylene sulfide) resin is slurried with an aqueous acidic treating solution comprising an acidic component and an aqueous component and the concentration of the acidic component in the aqueous acidic treating solution is less than the amount necessary to result in at least a partial curing of the virgin poly(arylene sulfide) resin. The polymer slurry is then heated to an elevated temperature, below the melting point of the virgin resin, while in the substantial absence of a gaseous oxidizing atmosphere.