Frpm Bohning's webpage:[*]Step 1) Cleaning shaft. Arrow builders use different chemicals to remove old adhesive, paint or arrow wraps from the shaft. Acetone, lacquer thinner and denatured alcohol are a few of the solutions that work very well for this. Wipe the shaft until all old residue is gone. Remember that this is only the first step.[*]Step 2) Prepping the shaft surface. Using hot water, wash the shaft with an abrasive detergent, such as the environmentally safe Bohning SSR Arrow Shaft Surface Cleaner. Scrub with a scotch-brite pad until shaft appears dull. Rinse in hot water and air dry. (This will bring the PH level on the surface of the shaft as close to zero as possible, allowing for the absolute best adhesion).

There is no need to clean the vane bases before fletching. The base of every Bohning vane is chemically treated to promote excellent adhesion.

From truflight's webpage:

How Should I Prepare The Shaft For Feather Fletching?


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We normally begin by wiping the fletching area of the shaft with alcohol, then lightly scuff the area with 600 grit sandpaper or fine steel wool. We do a final alcohol wipe a few minutes before fletching.



From Gateway feather's webpage:


D. Attach Feathers to Arrows – Scuff the fletching area of the arrow with fine grit sandpaper or steel wool. Clean this same area using a solvent recommended by the manufacturer, keeping in mind rubbing alcohol always works.



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I've read more than a few articles where they use rubbing alcohol. I use acetone (nail polish remover) without problems. Just let it dry for 5 minutes or more.