A method for producing a spiral wound separation membrane element includes preparing a composite semipermeable membrane having a skin layer on the surface of a porous support. The method further includes forming on the skin layer a protective layer containing 35 mg/m2 or more of an anionic polyvinyl alcohol to prepare a protective layer-equipped composite semipermeable membrane, preparing an unwashed spiral wound separation membrane element from the protective layer-equipped composite semipermeable membrane, and passing wash water through the unwashed spiral wound separation membrane element to remove the protective layer on the skin layer.