The invention relates to a method for preparing a cellulose ether. The method comprises mixing cellulose with an ionic liquid solvent to dissolve the cellulose, and then treating the dissolved cellulose with an etherifying agent in the presence of an inorganic base to form a cellulose ether, and subsequently separating the cellulose ether from the solution, wherein both the dissolution and the etherification are carried out in the absence of an organic base and in the substantial absence of water. Microwave irradiation and/or pressure can be applied to assist in dissolution and etherification.