A method for removing C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkanols from their mixtures with hydrocarbons or heteroatom-containing hydrocarbons wherein the method comprises utilizing a membrane comprising a non-porous separation layer of cellulose ester containing polymeric materials, characterized in that said polymeric material is a polymer blend of a first polymer selected from cellulose esters and at least one second polymer selected from polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate (VP-co-VA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), N,N,-dialkylated polyacrylic amide (DPAA) and cellulose esters other than said first polymer.