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 must be present in an effective amount to yield a substantial conditioning benefit. A method of conditioning articles using the polymer/surfactant combinations is also disclosed.