The present invention relates to a process for separating a phase (A) comprising at least one ionic liquid from a phase (B), phase (A) having a higher viscosity than phase (B), comprising the following steps: a) providing a stream (S1) comprising a dispersion (D1) in which phase (A) is dispersed in phase (B), b) introducing stream (S1) into a phase separation unit (PT1) comprising a knitted fabric, preferably a knitted glass fiber fabric, c) separating the dispersed phase (A) from phase (B) in the phase separation unit (PT1), d) discharging a stream (S2) comprising at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 90% by weight, of phase (A) from the phase separation unit (PT1), and e) discharging a stream (S3) comprising at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 90% by weight, of phase (B) from the phase separation unit (PT1).