Accidentally drying a polyester top on high heat tumble dry may cause the fabric to shrink, warp, or become damaged. However, it is unlikely that the polyester top alone will ruin all the other clothes that were dried with it. Most other clothes should be able to withstand the heat without significant damage.
Here's what you can do:
Inspect the polyester top: Remove the polyester top from the dryer and inspect it for any signs of damage, such as shrinking, warping, or melted areas. If it appears to be severely damaged, you may need to consider discarding or repairing it.
Check the other clothes: Examine the remaining clothes that were dried with the polyester top. Look for any visible signs of damage, such as melted fibers, discoloration, or unusual texture. If you notice any significant damage to individual items, it may be best to discard them to avoid potential issues while wearing or using them.
Assess the overall condition: If the other clothes appear to be undamaged or minimally affected, you can still wear or use them. Wash them separately from the polyester top to remove any potential residue or lingering heat-related odors.
Learn from the experience: Be mindful of the care instructions for different fabrics and always double-check the recommended drying settings. This will help prevent similar accidents in the future.
In most cases, the accidental drying of a polyester top on high heat should not necessitate throwing away all the other clothes. However, it's important to assess the condition of each item individually to ensure they are safe and suitable for use.