Fabric and textile conditioning compositions containing particular combinations of cationic polymers and anionic surfactants are disclosed. The polymers are soluble or dispersible to at least 0.01% by weight in distilled water at 25°C, are preferably below a particular molecular weight to afford optimal cleaning and conditioning, and are present in an effective amount to yield a substantial conditioning benefit. A method of conditioning articles using the polymer / surfactant combinations is also disclosed.