The invention relates to a separating device for separating a first liquid from a second liquid, wherein the first liquid has a lower specific density than the second liquid. The separating device comprises a receptacle with an inside wall, an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is arranged above the outlet, and a separating member made of a permeable filter material that is capable of adsorbing the first liquid and is arranged within the receptacle between the inlet and the outlet and is configured in such a manner that it floats on the second liquid when it is clean, and sinks with the increasing adsorption of the first liquid. The separating member has a smaller diameter than the receptacle so that there is a lateral distance between the inside wall and the floating separating member, and a liquid mixture consisting of the first liquid and the second liquid is filled into the receptacle through the inlet in such a manner that it must flow through the separating member completely so that the separating member can adsorb the first liquid.
