In an experiment there are three types of variables: Independent, dependent and constant variables.
The variable being tested and the parameters of which can be changed is the Independent variable. Here, the cleaning product is the independent variable.
Dependent variables are the ones which vary when change in the independent variable is made. How clean the counter is the dependent variable which is depending on the cleaning product (the independent variable).
Constant variables are the ones which are kept unchanged during the experiment so that it does not affects the result of the experiment. In the given experiment, the amount of cleaning product and the brand of the paper towel are the constant variables. Other constant variables can be the size of the paper towel, the technique of wiping, the temperature etc.