In a method for recovering lubricant or lubricant concentrate from a used mixture containing lubricant, the mixture containing lubricant and which is substantially dewatered is subjected to short path distillation at a temperature of at least 150° C. and a pressure of less than 1.5 mbar, in order to obtain a lubricant concentrate which can be recycled into cooling lubricants and which is free of very finely wear debris, metal soaps and polymers.